For years now the gun-maker has brushed off horror stories about negligent discharges, usually blaming human error. After all, it’s easier to blame the gun than admit to a deadly mistake. Just think back to Alec Baldwin’s tragic shooting on a New Mexico movie set—he insisted he never pulled the trigger, yet a woman lost her life. But experts were quick to point out that the revolver in question simply doesn’t fire on its own.
This, however, isn’t Hollywood.
The Sig Sauer P320 has a documented pattern of discharges—many occurring while holstered. Lawsuits are piling up, and the manufacturer continues to deny fault, but the incidents are too numerous, too consistent, and too dangerous to ignore.
In a city already struggling to staff its police force and control spiraling violence, CPD brass made the call: better to pull the plug than risk another injury or death. The P320 is now officially de-authorized.
But here’s the real gut punch: the officers themselves may be expected to foot the bill for replacing their sidearms. That’s right—these public servants, already asked to put their lives on the line, may now have to reach into their own modest uniform allowance to buy new duty weapons. A quality firearm will run close to $1,000, and that’s just the start. Each will require a fitted, holster—another hefty expense.
This decision, made at the top, may land hardest on young officers, those with families, or anyone already struggling to make ends meet. For them, this isn’t just an administrative change—it’s a financial crisis.
Meanwhile, Sig/Sauer remains knee-deep in litigation, fiercely defending a weapon that also happens to be the U.S. military’s standard issue. But for the boots on the ground in Chicago, the question isn’t about military contracts or legal spin—it’s about safety, survival, and now, personal sacrifice.
This controversy is far from over. And for the officers forced to pay the price—literally—it’s more than just a story. It’s a bitter reality.
Update: Under the current fraternal order of police labor contract, the City of Chicago is required to cover the cost of a new service weapon if the police department deauthorizes a previously approved firearm. Officers are not financially responsible when the department mandates a change in duty weapons. However, this is only for officers below the rank of Sergeant. Calculating the average replacement weapon cost indicates the city will be paying upwards of $1 million to affect this change.
